The Ultimate House Insulation Quiz

There are at least 10 types of insulation commonly used to keep your house warm. Using the right insulation can save you lots of money on your energy bill, especially if you live in an extreme climate. Take our quiz and find out how much you know about the different types of insulation and their properties.

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Question 1 of 15

Insulation can block the transfer of heat through the outer layer of your home. _____ is the measure of thermal resistance that tells you how effective insulating materials are.

R-value

To get the most out of your home's insulation, check its R-value, a measure of thermal resistance recommended by the United States Department of Energy. The higher the R-value, the more effective a home's insulation will be.

S-value

T-value

Question 2 of 15

Fiberglass insulation is made out of:

sand

recycled glass

both of the above

Fiberglass insulation is a fibrous material made of sand and recycled glass that doesn't retain moisture. R-values for fiberglass insulation are on the high side, ranging from R-11 to R-38.

Question 3 of 15

How many types of fiberglass insulation are there ?

one

two

You can choose from two types of fiberglass insulation, depending on your needs: fiberglass loose-fill insulation and fiberglass blanket insulation.

three

Question 4 of 15

Which of the following types of fiberglass insulation come in batts or rolls?

fiberglass blanket insulation

You can purchase fiberglass blanket insulation in either batts or rolls and in different densities, widths and lengths. Fiberglass loose-fill insulation is blown into areas that need insulation.

fiberglass loose-fill insulation

fiberglass roll insulation

Question 5 of 15

How does the use of energy efficient fiberglass insulation benefit the environment?

It helps reduce the amount of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere.

It helps reduce the amount of carbon chloride in the atmosphere.

It helps reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Since it improves energy efficiency in your home, insulation reduces the amount of fossil fuel combustion needed to cool and heat it. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere is reduced.

Question 6 of 15

Cellulose insulation is mostly made from shredded:

vegetables

newspapers

Made mostly from shredded newspapers, cellulose insulation is combustible and retains moisture. You will need to use up to three times more cellulose than fiberglass to achieve the same insulating efficiency for your home.

textiles

Question 7 of 15

In which of the following forms can you buy polyisocyanurate insulation?

sprayed foam

rigid foam board

both of the above

You can buy polyisocyanurate insulation in several forms including liquid, sprayed foam and rigid foam board with an R-value ranging from R-5.6 to R-8. Foam-in-place applications are usually cheaper than installing foam boards, and the liquid foam molds well to all surfaces.

Question 8 of 15

What do expanded polystyrene and molded expanded polystyrene have in common?

They are both blue.

They are both hard.

They are both made up of small beads.

Typically used in concrete blocks, expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a specific type of polystyrene made of small plastic beads fused together. Molded expanded polystyrene (MEPS) insulation comes in small foam beads and is usually used to make foam board insulation.

Question 9 of 15

What are the benefits of extruded polystyrene (XPS)

It is moisture-resistant.

It is corrosion-resistant.

both of the above

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is usually used as foam board insulation and is resistant to moisture, rot, mildew and corrosion. If you use it in your home for 15-30 years, you will save more energy over that period of time than is consumed by manufacturing the insulation.

Question 10 of 15

Spray polyurethane foam, which is sprayed on as a liquid, is usually used to insulate:

attics

Because spray polyurethane foam is an insulating foam plastic that's sprayed on as a liquid, which then expands many times over, it is excellent for use in attics, basements, roofs and ceilings.

bathrooms

bedrooms

Question 11 of 15

Which type of reflective insulation can be used to cool your attic?

an insulation barrier

a radiation barrier

a radiant barrier

To help cool your attic, you might want to install a radiant barrier, a single reflective surface that faces an open space. The radiant barrier will lessen radiant heat transfer from the underside of your roof to other attic areas; it can block 90 to 97 percent of the radiant heat hitting its surface.

Question 12 of 15

Which paper-like material is used to back reflective insulation?

cardboard

Reflective insulation is similar to a radiant barrier, but combines a radiant barrier with other insulation material such as cardboard, plastic film, polyethylene bubbles or kraft paper. Commonly found between roof rafters and wall studs, it is designed to stop radiant heat transfer between open spaces.

newspaper

cellophane

Question 13 of 15

Which type of insulation may be made from recycled blue jeans?

nylon insulation

polyester insulation

cotton insulation

Cotton insulation deserves high marks for its environmental qualities. It is produced from post-industrial recycled cotton fabrics, such as blue jeans, and offers good acoustical insulation properties.

Question 14 of 15

What is the biggest advantage of cotton insulation?

It is safe for the environment.

Cotton insulation is so safe that installers don't need to wear respiratory or safety equipment and there are no warning labels on the product. It is treated with a nontoxic fire- and pest-repellant called Boron.

It is safe for your family.

both of the above

Question 15 of 15

Why is mineral wool considered an environmentally sound product?

It is made by environmentalists.

It is made by a green company.

It is made from recycled products.

Mineral wool is made on average of 75 percent post-industrial recycled content. There are two kinds of mineral wool, rock wool and slag wool, and it comes in both blanket and loose-fill forms.